BOMBAY TIMES (September 2, 2019)

Producer Gaurang Doshi, who has backed films like Aankhen (2002), is all set to end his long hiatus. He has now joined hands with His Highness Sheikh Theyab Bin Khalifa Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, for three of his upcoming projects. These films include Aankhen Returns — directed by Anees Bazmee — and is slated to be an Eid or Diwali release next year; director Neerraj Pathak (left) Happy Anniversary, which is slated to release early next year, and Indians In Danger, directed by Abbas-Mustan.

Apart from films, Gaurang is also entering the digital arena with an OTT platform. He has also announced a Hollywood project, which will be co-produced by Brazilian filmmaker Raphael Bittencourt. The shooting of the Hollywood project, which is likely to release early next year, has been completed. Raphael conveyed his excitement over working with Gaurang. He further added that he is looking forward to the association and achieving many mutually beneficial milestones.

The announcements and the launch, which took place recently at Abu Dhabi, was graced by the royal family, along with several filmmakers and business heads. Sultan Saeed Rashed Saeed Alalawl (right), a member of the royal family, attended the event. While His Highness Sheikh Theyab Bin Khalifa Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan is investing in Gaurang’s ventures, the Bollywood producer is also partnering with business and entertainment entrepreneur Munir Awan. That’s not all; he is also being backed by the Abu Dhabi government’s National Council of Media for the shoot of his upcoming web-series and movies in the country. Gaurang, who has produced movies like Aankhen, Deewaar: Let’s Bring Our Heroes Home (2004) and Bawandar (2000), holds four Limca Records for his movies. He inherited the art of filmmaking from his late father, Vinod Doshi, who has backed movies like Sachaa Jhutha (1970) and Nastik (1983), and presented hits like Dil (1990) and Beta (1992), under the banner of VR Pictures. Now, with his newly launched banner, Gaurang Doshi Productions, Gaurang aims to offer more unconventional content to the audience.

The producer is all praise for Amitabh Bachchan, who has featured in his movies. He says, “I’m one of those few individuals who can proudly share their experience of working with a true legend. I cherish the honour of working with him on multiple projects in the past, and am looking forward to many more. He is my beloved godfather, and my real inspiration, who has blessed me with his wisdom. I’m excited to have him on board for Aankhen Returns, and there are many more to come. My projects are incomplete without him.”

Talking about returning to making films, Gaurang says, “It is good to be back after facing many hurdles that were uncalled for. This proves the fact that true talent never dies. No matter how hard the road is, or how determined your haters are to bring you down, with relentless passion and determination, one can achieve success.”